© Hendrik Louw – Photographer of the Year 2023 entry
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Bonobos challenge power norms + secret safari season + epic Lake Malawi safari
Did you know that the actual prime safari season is not the crowded months of July and August? That busy period is largely a function of the extended northern hemisphere summer break. Sure, wildlife activity in those months is good, often excellent, but the subsequent months hold richer rewards usually enjoyed by fewer travellers with good safari advice.
For example, in Southern Africa, the months of September to mid-November offer sightings that are often off-the-charts. The dry season is peaking and the first rains have not yet arrived. Access to water and food is limited and sightings are predictable. These are warm months, especially October and November which can be very hot, which keeps the less intrepid away, but for those seeking safari nirvana, these are superb months. And prices have usually come off the busy season highs. Even the popular Mara River crossings extend into mid October in most years …
Africa is a huge, complex continent, with regional and seasonal variances added to the longer cycles of boom and bust that nature uses to drive evolutionary change. No matter which time of year you travel, there is always something going on that will blow your mind and remind you that we are mere passengers on Good Ship Earth. Ask us, we live here.
Simon Espley – CEO, Africa Geographic
From our Editor – Taryn van Jaarsveld
It’s a joy to share good news that celebrates Africa’s wild places. Maputo National Park has just been named Mozambique’s first natural World Heritage Site: a recognition of its glow-up from depleted wilderness to thriving sanctuary. Here you’ll find nesting turtles, roaming elephants, undisturbed coral reefs and extraordinary mangrove forests – making this a conservation win worth celebrating. We’ll soon share a full guide to exploring this extraordinary park where wildlife thrives, communities benefit, and tourism makes a real impact.
In the meantime, don’t miss our guide to another unique Mozambican protected area, Limpopo National Park, below. Plus, we examine how female bonobos are flipping the script on power politics in our Decoding Science story.
Enjoy exploring Africa with us!
Did you know? Your African safari choice makes a difference
We donate a portion of the revenue from every safari sold to carefully selected conservation projects that make a significant difference at ground level. YOUR African safari choice does make a difference – thank you!
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Female bonobos rise to power through coalition & cooperation, challenging dominance norms in the animal kingdom – & human assumptions
TRAVEL DESK:
2 AFRICAN SAFARI IDEAS
AG SAFARI GUEST ANNI SAYS:
AG safari guest, Anni from South Africa, went on a solo safari to Botswana. Here is what she had to say about her experience:
Magical Mashatu. “Mashatu Tented Camp was exactly what my soul needed. Remote, small, not too many people. Only canvas between me and nature, yet comfortable. Every night I heard hyenas, jackals and at times lions calling. I knew I was truly in the wild. I saw leopards, lions, cheetahs, loads of elephants, and so much more. I could not have asked for more. The guides had amazing bush skills, and the staff was very accommodating. Other guests in the camp were great company for a solo traveller. My trip was unforgettable, and a huge thank you goes to Christian Boix and the Africa Geographic team for a very well-organised trip.”
WATCH:
From elephant hunter to devoted guardian: Ndondondo Bienvenu now protects Chinko’s last elephants. Witness his powerful transformation and the revival of this Central African Republic wilderness once on the brink. (06:31) Click here to watch
For more videos celebrating Africa, check out our videos here
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